Extra Curricula
I'm the captain of the math team, which I've been involved in for all four years. I've played trumpet in countless musical ensembles both in and out of school (Concert Band, Big Band, Orchestra, Band Land Brass Band, Jazz Workshop / Bob Ross Jazz Experience, World Jazz Ensemble, All-City Band mentor, Tufts Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Music, etc.) and recently--since spring of my junior year--I started playing horn in Concert Band and in Chamber Music. Also, I was on the debate team in 9th grade.
Favorite Class at CRLS
Biology. Honestly, I enjoy something about every subject, and every class depends on the specific teacher more than the subject, so my decision is totally arbitrary. I want to say math because it is powerful and logical, or the Arts because they are relaxing and fun. I also learned a lot in Chemistry and in some of my ELA and History classes. But if I had to choose, I think CRLS does the best job overall in Biology: any Bio class inherently involves interesting experiments and connections to the real world, which makes it fun and engaging. I had a really good teacher for AP Bio, and I get the impression that the other teachers in the department are also competent and kind. Although I only took one Bio class here, I wish I'd gotten to take one of the many exciting-sounding electives.
Favorite Teacher
Irene Zhaurova or Joel Patterson. Even though Ms. Zhaurova is retired, I had to mention her because, taking AP Chem with her was such a blast. She had a really fun way of teaching that involved the occasional Youtube video, memorable handwriting, and perfect mnemonic devices like "speed-fast", "LEO the lion says GER", and others. She was unique, supportive, and kind, and at the end of the year, brought in some of her landscape paintings to class.
Mr. Patterson is really good at explaining math and at knowing when to let people figure out how to solve a problem for themselves. He was my Calculus teacher and also coached the Math Club. I always appreciated his kindness and the way he constantly brought a fresh perspective to the table. Also, he is the only teacher I've had who actually knows how to use the smart whiteboard and uses it effectively.
What are some of the out-of-school time (OST) programs that you participated in between grades 6 - 12?
None of the above, although I did work at Young People's Project with Mayor's Program one summer.
How did being enrolled in any OST program(s) contribute to your success in and out of high school?
N/A
What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
I most liked playing music in the basement of the Arts building. I love the community of CRLS musicians that I've come to be so immersed in, and I can't imagine my life without that.
What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
You might never need to know this, but the third floor bridge looks really spectacular at night.
Advice to Incoming Freshmen
Get a locker. It's free and it'll be useful for those days when you have a really heavy backpack (a.k.a. almost every day). Always walk on the right side of the hallways and through the right door. Don't be afraid to try new things or to continue with whatever you want. There are so many opportunities in and out of school that you could never do all of them, but a person can try. Lastly, be present and have fun.
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